John Kerry Has a Primary Opponent

Today the delegates to the Massachusetts State Democratic Convention endorsed John Kerry for U.S. Senate.  However, his opponent Ed O'Reilly got 22% of the delegate vote giving him ballot access for the State Democratic primary in September.  Come here how it happened, how the convention went, and learn about what else is going in Democratic politics today besides Hillary's speech.

I attended the Massachusetts State Democratic Convention in Lowell today as an elected delegate.  Me and over 2,000 of my closest friends gave up a beautiful summer Saturday to support our party.  The main Republican Candidate, Jim Ogonowski (a brother of one of the 9/11 airline pilots killed in the attack on the World Trade Center) fell 30 signatures short of getting on the ballot.  Thus, the winner of the Democratic Primary should be a shoo-in for the general election.  Some random thoughts and observations on the goings on at the convention.

1. There was a table run by the Clinton campaign at the convention.  They had "Hillary for President" signs plastered around their area and were handing out "One of 17.5 million who support Hillary" stickers.  I thought this was really bad form and totally uncalled for.  Hillary was conceding the race even as the convention was taking place, and there was no need for that type of divisive behavior at a State convention.  At noon large numbers of these people were huddled around televisions listening to Hillary's concession speech.

2. Ted Kennedy could not attend because he had brain surgery this week (in case you live in a cave and did not hear).  He was sorely missed and everyone wished him well.  I know it must have pained him to not be there because he lives for this kind of thing.

3. Not surprisingly there was much call for unity from various party leaders.  Gov. Deval Patrick gave an eloquent speech and moved me to tears as usual.  Even though he was an early and strong supporter of Barack Obama he made a point of praising Hillary, and asked each of us to find a Hillary supporter, shake their hands, and tell them "job well done".  Anyone care to speculate what cabinet post Gov. Patrick will have in an Obama administration?

4. John Kerry's rival for the Democratic Party's nomination to US Senate is named Ed O'Reilly.  He is a former city councilor from Gloucester MA.  O'Reilly has an interesting personal story rising from laid off fireman to successful defense lawyer.  He gave an rambling 12 minute speech at the convention.  He looks eerily like Bobby Kennedy.  O'Reilly screamed his whole speech, fumbled and bumbled, and was not well organized.  It was obvious he was not experienced speaking in front of large groups of people.  His rationale for running is Kerry's original vote to support the Iraq war, and Kerry's supposed inaction on universal health care.  I think John Kerry long ago atoned for his vote to originally support the Iraq war, and the lack of progress on health care has more to do with Republican vetoes than anything Sen. Kerry has done.  Although at times a little primary competition can keep an incumbent honest, O'Reilly is a poor candidate and an embarrassment to his party.

5. Speeches seconding John Kerry's nomination were made by Martha Coakley and Robert Kennedy Jr.  Ms. Coakley is the Attorney General of Massachusetts.  She is tough, smart, capable, and bears watching.  She was formerly District Attorney for Middlesex County, a position previously held by two guys named John Kennedy and John Kerry.  Robert Kennedy's father was murdered 40 years ago this week much to the horror of those of us old enough to remember it.  It must have been tough for his son this week, but he showed no signs of it.  Kennedy Jr.'s speech was long winded and went on too long about Clinton and Obama and not long enough about John Kerry.

6. John Kerry gave a long, flowing speech touching on all the major issues of the day.  My two favorite lines from his speech were (paraphrasing), "Trickle down economics makes many Americans feel trickled on...", and "It's about time we return to a government that believes in science."  Kerry somehow got away with speaking for 24 minutes, twice the time of his competitor.  The State Party Chair apologized for this gaffe, but methinks it was not an accident.  Ah, the power of incumbency.

7. We then all huddled together to vote by State Senate district.  For some reason it took three hours to vote and count!  Kerry got every delegate's vote in my district.  O'Reilly needed 15% of the delegates to gain ballot access for the State Democratic primary in September.  He got 22% so John Kerry will have a rival on the ballot to receive the nomination of the Democratic Party of Massachusetts for United States Senator.

8. I am unhappy with this outcome.  I was willing to give O'Reilly the benefit of the doubt, but in his speech he came across as an attack dog and a fool.  He adds nothing to the campaign, and will only distract Sen. Kerry from doing the important work of helping Democratic Senate candidates in tight races around the country.